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Machinists Union Leaders Cheer Sweden’s Election Results

Washington, D.C., September 14, 2014 – The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) today welcomed news that former welder and trade union leader Stefan Löfven is poised to become Sweden’s next Prime Minister.

“Stefan Löfven’s skills as a union negotiator will be invaluable as he prepares to manage one of Europe’s most successful and developed economies,” said IAM International President Tom Buffenbarger. “The Swedish people have set a path for Stefan to form a new government and we are confident he will do so. I congratulate Sweden’s Social Democrats and my good friend Stefan. I look forward to working as closely with him in the future as we have in the past.”

Löfven served as president of the 450,000-member Swedish Metalworkers Union (IF Metall) from 2006 to 2012, when he was elected to lead Sweden’s Social Democratic Party. In 2007, the IAM and IF Metall formed an historic trans-Atlantic union alliance to better serve union members employed by global corporations.

“The election in Sweden gives workers and their communities here in North America fresh hope for a world based on fairness, decency, and justice,” said Owen Herrnstadt, IAM Chief of Staff and Director of Trade and Globalization. “If a welder named Stefan Löfven can become Prime Minister, then our faith in common sense politics based on raising everyone’s standard of living has been reaffirmed. It also means that the cynical politics based exclusively on money and self-interest can be defeated.”

Founded in 1888, the IAM is among the largest industrial trade unions in North America, representing nearly 600,000 active and retired members in transportation, aerospace, woodworking, shipbuilding and manufacturing sectors. For more information about the IAM, visit www.goiam.org.

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